To enjoy all the pleasures of vaping with peace of mind, it’s important to remember that you are using an electronic device that produces extreme heat to vaporise chemicals that are toxic when directly ingested. Irresponsible handling of your device and e-liquids can lead to malfunctions and poisoning.
In this guide, we will go over general vaping safety tips and best practices regarding specific elements of vaping to ensure an enjoyable and safe vaping experience.
Basic Vaping Safety
1. Read the instruction manual
This is especially important if you are a beginner. However, even experienced vapers should still take the time to check their vaping device’s instruction manual.
Just because there are foundational similarities to how atomisers, chargers, coils, and other parts work, it doesn’t mean they all have the exact same functions and settings for proper use. Follow the instructions and heed the warnings.
2. Keep your e-cigs and e-liquids away from pets and children
Your device is made up of mechanical and electrical parts that, when damaged or when they overheat, can become health hazards. Batteries have even been known to explode if not used properly. E-liquids are poisonous when ingested. In other words, make sure all of your vaping kid is properly stored in child-proof containers and kept out of the reach of children to avoid accidents.
3. Carry your vaping equipment in a separate carrying case
This bears repeating: your e-cig is basically a small machine with parts that should not be used when any part is damaged.
Don’t risk your device getting scratched, squeezed, or scuffed in a bag with your other belongings. Metal objects like keys and coins can carry a charge and activate your device’s batteries, leading to overheating.
4. Clean your device regularly
A dusty, dirty, and/or gunked-up device doesn’t just pose a sanitary problem; it can degrade your device’s condition to the point of mechanical failure, which can also become a health hazard. Do a basic weekly cleaning and a deep cleaning once a month.
5. Inspect your device thoroughly if you suspect there’s a problem
The moment you notice your device isn’t operating the way it should or that you’re not getting the experience you want, stop using your device and give it a thorough inspection. Check for cracks in the tank, look for grime build-up in the connection terminals, and turn it off if it feels like it’s overheating.
6. Repair or replace damaged parts immediately
When you have determined that a part of your vaping device is broken, you should look into getting it repaired or replaced as soon as possible. It is not worth trying to vape with a leaky tank or a battery that can no longer hold a charge for a quick hit, as you will be putting yourself at unnecessary risk.
Usage Safety
1. Ensure your tank is not low or close to empty before vaping
Trying to vape on a low or empty tank will result in a “dry hit”, an unpleasant burning sensation on the back of your throat. Refill your tank before you start vaping to avoid damaging your throat and the nasty taste in your mouth.
2. Choose e-liquids with nicotine-strength levels that fits your needs
It is virtually impossible to “vape yourself to death” and die because of nicotine poisoning, but it is still isn’t a good idea to consume large amounts of nicotine beyond that which your body can take before feeling ill. The stronger the nicotine, the harsher the hit.
Those vapers who vape frequently throughout the day, will do well with low nicotine, while those who vape less may prefer higher nicotine levels. Ex-smokers who have just started vaping will probably need the strong nicotine hit to replicate the hit of smoking cigarettes, at least until they can wean themselves onto lower concentrations.
3. Consider inhaling techniques with nicotine-strength levels
Jumping off the previous point, the nicotine content of your preferred e-liquid is a good determiner of how you should inhale safely while vaping.
Vape juices with high amounts of nicotine are best inhaled mouth-to-lung, while vape juices with low amounts of nicotine are best inhaled direct-to-lung. For medium nicotine levels, either technique works, although 6mg nicotine is the safe upper limit for direct-to-lung inhalation.
4. Consult with your doctor if you have a chronic medical condition
While vaping is considered to be safer than smoking, there is much scientific work to be done on the long-term effects of vaping on health.
E-liquids also have ingredients that some people might be allergic to, with propylene glycol (PG) being the most common allergen. Public Health England states that vaping is 95% less harmful than smoking, but your doctor should know the state of your health better than anyone, so listen carefully to their advice.
5. Don’t vape when you are pregnant
Nicotine consumption of any kind during pregnancy is generally advised against by the medical field. Better to stop vaping altogether when you are with child to avoid potential complications with you and your baby’s health.
6. Keep yourself hydrated in between vaping sessions
Vaping is a fun activity that can leave you dehydrated, especially after extended sessions. Don’t forget to drink water after vaping to stay hydrated and prevent common side effects of heavy vaping such as a dry, itchy throat and dizziness.
E-Liquid Safety
1. Store your e-liquids in a cool, dark, and dry place
Exposure to heat and direct sunlight will drastically reduce your e-liquid’s lifespan and potency. Vaping expired e-liquids will literally leave a bad taste in your mouth.
Although using vape juice that has gone bad won’t necessarily kill you, you will want to get rid of them when you they taste or smell funny and have darkened faster than their given expiration date.
2. Immediately wash your skin with soap and water when it comes into contact with an e-liquid
Inhaling the vapour is relatively safe, but vape juice in its concentrated liquid form is toxic. If you spill e-liquid on yourself, clean the spot ASAP with soap and water. If it spills on your clothes, change so it doesn’t soak your skin.
3. Spit out e-liquid if it gets into your lips or mouth and wash afterwards
As mentioned in the previous point, e-liquid is toxic and shouldn’t be ingested. If you accidentally get some in your mouth, don’t let it sit in your mouth or on your lips for long and wash your mouth out with water immediately.
4. Buy from trusted sources
The adage “you get what you pay for” certainly applies to e-liquids and vaping products in general. While an e-liquid from a trusted source will likely be more expensive than from some no-name vape shop, the trade-off for your safety is worth any price. The government has provided a list of registered vape retailers, which includes Superior Vapour.
Battery Safety
1. Use your vape device’s dedicated charger
Just because most electronic gadgets nowadays have similar chargers doesn’t mean you can use any charger with your vape’s batteries. Using the device manufacturer’s charger ensures compatibility and optimal performance.
2. Don’t leave your batteries charging unattended
Whether you are stepping out of the house or going to bed, it’s a bad idea to keep your device’s batteries charging. At best, you end up overcharging the batteries and reduce their lifespan. At worst, you are setting up a fire hazard that you can’t immediately put out.
3. Don’t completely drain your batteries
While not as dangerous as overcharging your batteries and risking a small explosion, draining your batteries empty also cuts their life expectancy significantly. Lithium-ion batteries are more prone to having fewer cycles when fully drained.
4. Match your batteries with your device
Not all batteries for vaping works for every kind of device. If you’re using a high wattage vape mod, you need batteries that can supply that kind of power. If you’re a casual vaper, low watt batteries are fine.
5. Re-wrap or discard batteries with peeling wraps
Battery wraps keep batteries from shorting out when they come into contact with charged points. If you see that your batteries’ wraps are nicked or peeled, stop using them. You can buy battery wraps for cheap, have your batteries re-wrapped in your go-to vape shop, or just get new batteries.
6. Store your batteries separately in cases away from extreme temperature
Batteries can short circuit when they come into contact with other metal objects. Extreme heat or cold will also damage your batteries. A plastic container is ideal for battery storage.
Vaping should be a good, fun time, but that doesn’t mean you should be totally carefree when going into this lifestyle. Be a responsible vaper, practice these safety tips, and vape with your mind at ease. Feel free to get in touch with our team if you need assistance with your device by calling us at 01179 669309 or via our email at info@superiorvapour.com.
